Mexico Wants Tourism to Be its Fate of Choice Mexico´s Tourism Secretary Rodolfo Elizondo called on the local travel industry to be the destiny of the whole nation, as he officially opened the second edition of the World Tourism Exposition (WTE 2004). "We must join hands and be creative to make Mexico the destination of choice not only for foreign tourists, but also for investors," Mr. Elizondo pointed out. The high-ranking Mexican official praised the massive turnout to the Second World Tourism Exposition that this time around is gathering over 200 exhibitors from nearly two dozen countries. In Mr. Elizondo´s opinion, the WTE is destined to become one of the planet´s major travel tradeshows of its kind. "Mexico," he said, "is fostering the development of local and regional tourism because 86 percent of the industry´s revenues are generated by domestic travelers. For our country, tourism will be the lever we need to draw investment, to create new jobs and to bring progress to o

As Mexico’s second most sought-after destination, Puerto Vallarta –lying on the western side of the state of Jalisco and bathed by the Pacific Ocean- has a far-reaching development plan for the next three years. About this and other details, Caribbean News Digital talked with Gustavo Gonzalez Villaseñor, the highest-ranking municipal authority there.

With over ten years of experience in Sol Meliá –a considerable chunk of them in the Caribbean- Rodrigo Silveyra has just been appointed to manage the Meliá Cohiba Hotel in Havana. In this exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital, Mr. Silveyra speaks about his career and the future plans of Cuba’s flagship lodging run by the Spanish company on the island nation.

“Our goal is to be the very best in each and every sector, in every category, and what we´re doing is contained in that slogan of ours that reads "We Are Hoteliers." That explains why we´re always looking for the best professionals in the industry for each and every hotel. That´s our philosophy." With these remarks, Marketing Director of Five-Star Hotels for the Hesperia Hotels defines what the goal of this world-class company really is. Later on, she refers to the firm´s main establishments, its major expansion projects and the development of new areas. Mrs. Lison also mentions other elements linked to the company´s marketing outlay and strategy.

On January 16, 2004, Alejandro Sinibaldi was appointed director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) by the administration of President Oscar Berger Perdomo, a position that´s up to par with his country´s Tourism Minister. In an exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital in Madrid, Mr. Sinibaldi recounts his years as a businessman, a graduate of Enterprise Management and his decade-old experience in the field of tourist company management and leadership, especially in hotels. He´s a member of the Guatemala Hotelier Foundation (FUNGUAT), an organization that advocates for Guatemala as a solid travel destination through hotel incentives and with a view to increase the inflow of visitors to the nation. Mr. Sinibaldi cites the foundation of the Tourism Cabinet as one of the main accomplishments of his six-month tenure as INGUAT chief. The Cabinet, made up of high-ranking administration officials, is joining efforts to turn the leisure industry into a key player in Gu

Mr. Pesquera has just been appointed director of the Aruba Hotelier Association. His new position has sparked off a positive trend toward the future as far as the island’s potential entry into the incentive market is concerned. He’s also pitched a hand in opening a new way of understanding Aruba’s marketing overseas. Mr. Pesquera spoke about his experiences and future plans in an exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital.